tulitikkaita

Tulitikut are a type of match, specifically referring to safety matches in Finnish. A safety match consists of a wooden or cardboard stick tipped with a combustible paste. This paste contains a fuel such as potassium chlorate and an oxidizer. The striking surface on the matchbox or book contains red phosphorus, sulfur, and powdered glass. When the match is struck against this surface, friction generates heat, which ignites the red phosphorus. This then ignites the potassium chlorate, which produces oxygen to sustain the flame.

The term "tulitikkut" translates directly to "fire stick" in Finnish. These matches were invented in the 1830s and revolutionized fire-starting by offering a safer and more reliable alternative to earlier friction matches, which could ignite too easily. Modern tulitikut are manufactured in large quantities and are a common household item. They are used for lighting candles, stoves, fireplaces, and for various other purposes where a portable flame is required. The design ensures that ignition only occurs when the match head is struck against the specifically prepared striking surface, preventing accidental ignition.